Famous Lion Tamer Dead.

Manawatu Herald, 3 June 1899, Page 2

Famous Lion Tamer Dead.

AN ADVENTUROUS CAREER,

Walter Stratford, at one time a famous lion tamer, has lately died after a short illness at the Red Lion Inn, Stonar, near Sandwich. In the course of his career, Stratford, when employed by " Lord " George Sanger, met with many exciting experiences. On one occasion when the circus was in Paris, 6 lions escaped and made their way under the stage amongst a quantity of old scenery. On another occasion he rescued an African trainer from an infuriated lion at Birmingham, and in recognition of his pluck was rewarded with a gold medal from some of his admirers in the town.

The power he possessed over animals was simply remarkable, and on one occassion, when Sanger's famous lioness Victoria was dangerously ill, he stayed for 3 entire days in her cage. Once, worn out by watching, he actually fell sleep, but the lioness, though a dangerous animal to everyone else, never touched him. Many other instances could be told of Stratford's coolness and bravery, and he was a great favourite with visitors at " Lord " George Sanger's Hall by the Sea at Margate. On retiring from lion taming he settled down to spend the rest of his life in quiet at the Red Lion Inn, But adventures still pursued him. Twice burglars entered the house, and on each occassion they found that Stratford could tame men as well as lions, both being captured after a struggle. Stratford, who was 57, leaves 2 sons, both of 'whom are in business at Margate.